Evaluation of knowledge on oral health, malocclusions and non- nutritive habits of daycare educators

ABSTRACT

AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate daycare educators' knowledge on oral health, malocclusions and non-nutritive habits and how to address these issues. Educators were also investigated on whether or not they had received previous instructions on oral health and the quality of such information. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A survey was conducted using a questionnaire, given to daycare educators of Araraquara (SP, Brazil). The structured questionnaire had close-ended questions, and was divided into three sections according to subject matter. RESULTS: Based on the analyzed questionnaires (n=143), most educators showed reasonable knowledge on oral health (72%) and non-nutritive habits (52.4%), although 89.5% of them had received previous instructions on the subject. Chi-square test showed no association between the level of knowledge among educators and the variables age, type of school and self assessment of knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: These professionals need additional information about oral health in order to address these topics through educational practices, since educators are the best suited professionals to teach and motivate children.